Just 5 minutes of this can reduce the risk of heart disease

Saunas are intrinsically built into cultures all over the world, be it the onsen in Japan, the hamam in Turkey, or the Finnish sauna. It’s not unusual to have three generations of family members visit a local bath house in one of these countries and unwind together after a long day.

A new study has now found that the benefits of bathing in a sauna go way beyond just relaxation. Scientists have found that just five minutes in the high temperatures are as good for the body as physical exercise like a brisk walk.

Furthermore, regularly spending time in a sauna can reduce the risk of heart disease, lung disease and an early death. The hot temperatures can also aid combat mental health issues, skin diseases, arthritis, headaches and the flu.

So it seems these old cultures were onto something...

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Researchers reviewed 70 studies on the health outcomes of Finnish sauna baths to establish the long-list of health benefits. Finnish sauna bathing is characterised by brief exposure to 80°C (176°F) to 100°C (212°F), normally for up to 20 minutes.

Scientists at the universities of Bristol, Jyväskylä and Eastern Finland conducted the review, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. They found the benefits of sauna bathing, widely documented in recent years, stem from its effects on the autonomic nervous system which controls several bodily functions, including breathing, heartbeat and digestive processes.

According to study author Dr Jari Laukkanen: "Sauna bathing, an activity used for the purposes of pleasure, wellness, and relaxation, is linked to a remarkable array of health benefits.

"It is a safe activity and can even be used in people with stable CVD, provided it is used sensibly for an appropriate period of time.